Modular helmets?

[iclrag]

Does anybody have one that they love? or maybe that they hate?
ive been thinking of buying one for myself (plus the sunshade is nice so i could wear my glasses under the helmet if i wanted to (then again maybe its still a PITA so maybe i wont).
http://www.bikebandit.com/sparx-helios-modular-motorcycle-helmet?b=3059475
decent price, plus it looks decent to, not too heavy on flashy graphics

[jacob92icu]

I have a flip up with no shade that I really like. Its nice because on group rides or whatever you can just flip it up and talk to the other riders while stopped. Or where glasses like you said and flip it up so you can smell/feel the air. However; I have to get another one for racing because they do not allow flip up helmets. At least at my local track.

[iclrag]

Cool, i bet its easier to hear you with the flip up then with just a visor up!! the shade is one of the main features i really like, but itll be nice to be able to yell at other riders 

[Calpantera]

I have been looking at them lately, pretty sure I am going with this one..
http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/Solar_Modular_Motorcycle_Helmet/web1001084
Wore it around the store for awhile and it was comfortable. I like the switchblade like inside sunshade that pops down and up..
They just came out with another one just this week for the same price ($99) that is very similar, plan on going down there today to try it on today..
Here is a thread I started a week asking the same question, got some good info

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=63112.msg745458#msg745458

[PatheticPuma]

I have an HJC CL-Max II modular helmet and I really like it. Much nicer for the on and off than my old solid helmet was.

[MVent03]

I just can't convince myself on modular helmets. I don't remember the specific numbers from my MSF course but the majority of impacts on a helmet occur on the "chin" area. Modular helmets are relying on whatever the locking mechanism is to keep your jaw/face intact in the event of a crash. And yes, I know that they are tested but I would bet that a modular helmet will give out before a standard full face would. Probably the reason why they are not valid at racing tracks. . . .



Plus you just look really dorky with the face flipped up. 

[CrownSeven]

I own 2 - a Nolan and a Roof Boxer.  The Nolan is pretty heavy, and I don't wear it much anymore.  The Roof is fairly light weight, and surprisingly quiet.  It is a European helmet so its not DOT approved. But its very comfortable and looks great.  You can wear it in the fully closed position, or open when riding.

I just picked up a Bell Star helmet on close out for 300 (regular 529).  I picked the Bell helmet because they now offer a visor that will go from clear to dark smoke within minutes when exposed to  sunlight - therefore don't have to worry about carrying around more than one lens, or sunglasses.

[weedahoe]

I have and wear one all the time. However, wind noise is a bit more than I like.

[Funderb]

Dont like 'em.
You wont know till you wear one though. So... go buy last years model you like or a lightly used one for very inexpensive and take it out on a couple low impact rides, or just wear it around the house.

also to note: sparx helmets are highly regarded, and said to be a great value for the money. However, tend to run small. Go try one on at a store of a buds before you buy, make sure its the right size for you, in case of no returns.

[Zwerski]

I like my HJC SyMax II. Integrated sun visor and much quieter than my old SyMax.

[aniyn]

I have that helmet! Love it. Mine is branded as a Voss 555 G2 though, but it's identical to the picture you linked to.
I love being able to flip the front up with 1 hand while I'm stopped at a light in the summer heat, or if I'm riding slowly I can put the front up and the sun visor will still keep the bugs out of my eyes. The visor is spring loaded, and I like where the controls are located - down on the bottom on the left side instead of on the top like with some other helmets. It does seem loud on the highway, but I can't compare it to another helmet because I don't have one. Would also be nice if it had space for comm gear, or even headphones for that matter. Oh, also you have to open the face shield to put it on or take it off. Not sure if that mattered, but I did noticed it.

[gsJack]

webBIKEWORLD has a lengthy thread on Symax II latch failure that might be worth reading, just glanced thru it myself.  Noticed some Symax II users here.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/hjc-sy-max-2-flip-up-failure/

I have a badly scratched Symax I on the shelf that my ins co reimbursed me for after I totaled the 97 GS and also a slightly used CL-max and doubt I'll ever use either again.  Using a HJC IS-33 now for putting about locally and still have the RF1000 if I feel the need for a full face again, just hanging on to in case I ever get young enough to head for the mountains again.   

[W79]

Hi guys,

just thought I'd add my 2 cents, since I use a modular helmet every day.

I drive around with a Lazer Monaco.  I've had it for almost a year now (7000 miles).
I went for a modular helmet just 'cause they're easier to put on / take off if you wear glasses.

Before I went out and bought this model, I did some research.
A lot of people are very happy with this helmet because it is:
- very light (I have the 'pure glass' model, not the 'pure carbon' one.  (100€ for -100g = too expensive )
- relatively quiet (only the Shuberth C-models score better)
- excellent value for money (compared to stuff like the Schuberth C3)

Most of the stuff I read in these reviews has proven to be true.
It's quiet (for a flip-up: full face helmets will always have an egde here).
It's light enough: easy on the neck and shoulders, even on long rides.

The value is excellent, because it comes with a standard pin-lock insert and the 'Lumino' visor.
This last thing is IMHO the reason to buy this helmet.  It's a visor that changes its own transparancy (ranging somewhere between 20%  and 85%) in a matter of seconds.  When riding in varied lighting conditions I see friends stopping for sunglasses, reaching for flip down visors, etc.  I don't have to worry about all that.  Sometimes I take off for a ride on a cloudy day, and when I take off my helmet a few hours later, I am surprised at how bright the sun's become.

Only issue I've had so far is the brand-specific intercom system (LazerBlue).
It was incredibly easy to install (all Monaco's are pre-cabled), the sound quality was incredibly good, the one-button interface worked nicely,...  but I kept struggling with the power adaptor.
Sometimes the thing wouldn't charge properly, and in the end it broke down completely.  Replacement parts didn't do the job either, so now they've shipped my entire helmet back to Lazer, and given me a brand new replacement for the time being.
I guess that if they end up fixing the problem, this isn't much of an 'issue' anymore, but instead a big advantage: good service!

Hope this helps

Wim, Belgium

[gsJack]

Your Monaco weighs about the same as my IS-33, very nice weight I think.  I wore photochromatic eyeglasses for years and they worked great with a clear shield except when riding into a setting sun on a clear day. The glasses hardly darken nearing sunset so wonder if those new photochromatic helmet shields are the same?  Another gstwiner here mentioned he had a Bell Star with that feature, those shields would be quite pricey I think if one got scratched up.

[Zwerski]

gsJack: Thanks for the link to the Sy-Max II trouble. I just finished going through my own lid to look for the problems they detailed in the article. Mine is in good working order with none of the cracks or backed-out screws they found. Still, it's a little disconcerting and a bummer, since I like this helmet. I like my head waaaay more, tho.

Commence replacement shopping... GO!

[crzydood17]

I ride at the track so I do not use modular helmets, If I was to get one though I would get one that is absolutely the best. I think the Shoei Multitech is just about the best on the market but its a bit pricey.

Because nearly 40% of all crashes impact the chin of a motorcycle I would rather be safe than have a slight bit more comfort.

[xunedeinx]

I personally don't trust them.

I wouldn't hing my life on the chin hinge of a helmet. Not based off of any facts or evidence, but that I'd prefer a full face shoei anyday.

[ThatOtherGuy]

You only need to have one accident or in my case a very serious accident to appreciate the value of your protective gear.  Whether it be good leathers, boots, gloves or in this case a helmet.  To me if its a potential point of failure (no matter how slight or how "special" the circumstances need to be), then its an automatic fail and off my shopping list.  Its simple, what price do you place on your head?  For me its fairly high, so I pay for my helmets accordingly.  Modular helmets may have some advantages, but that is cold comfort when you're in Intensive Care having your face reconstructed.

Just my

[iclrag]

Thanks for the info, i was thinking those locking mechanisms looked a bit dicey, but then again i was using a half helmet "brain bucket" for a while there so i figured its better than that! now that ive had some time to think about it ive noticed i was more into the built in shade than anything else.
Thanks again!

[weedahoe]

Funny you mention the latches. Today while out on a group ride we came to a stop. I lifted my lid and then everyone was ready to go again so I slammed it Dow Jones and took off. Later then I went to lift it again, the latch will now not release. I can take it off and put it on like a regular helmet though. Time to get back in the market for a Shoei